Joe Garza Photography Blog

Best Beaches in Oahu | Best Spots to Visit in Oahu

Aloha! Welcome to Oahu, the tropical paradise boasting some of the finest beaches in the world. As a photographer, I have had the privilege of capturing the mesmerizing beauty of this Hawaiian island. Join me on an adventure as we explore the top beaches in Oahu, each offering its own unique charm and breathtaking scenery.

A dream-like scene with the beach sand smoothed into the blue ocean water and distant mountain islands with lofty clouds filling the blue sky. — This is an image I have only seen in my dreams...until I landed on Oahu and set my own eyes on it. The sandy beach and calm blue water with the distant islands brings a peace only the ocean can bring.

Beach Sunset Pictures | Oahu Lanikai Beach | Best Beaches on Oahu

1| Lanikai Beach

Lanikai Beach is a hidden gem nestled on Oahu's windward coast. With its pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and awe-inspiring views of the Mokulua Islands, Lanikai Beach is a beach lovers paradise. Soak up the intense beauty of Lanikai Beach at sunrise, as the golden hues paint the horizon and soak in the serenity of its natural surroundings. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat, stunning tropical beach views, or simply a place to unwind, Lanikai Beach is a must-visit destination that will leave you enchanted, destressed, and inspired.

Clear turquoise waves come onto the pink sand beach shores. Two distant islands appear on the horizon with white puffy clouds above them. — Just another beautiful Hawaiian day. Oahu has some gorgeous beaches and Lanikai beach is just one of them. The soft sand between your toes is a feeling that brings joy and relaxation. Distant Hawaiian islands Moku Nui (Left) and Moku Iki (Right) rests in the warms waters.

Beach Sunset Pictures | Best Beaches on Oahu

The beautiful palm trees across Hawaii are always stunning to see and photograph but few are aware of the symbolism and lore around palm trees.

A palm tree stretches over the beautiful sandy beach as the sun rises and the distant islands on the horizon along with the white, puffy clouds. — One of the best beaches in Oahu, Lanikai Beach in the early morning hours of sunrise was quiet, peaceful, and stunning. What an island paradise with the palm trees stretching toward the sun.
Best Beaches in Oahu | Beach Sunrise Photography | Palm Tree Pictures

2| Sunset Beach

On Oahu's North Shore lies Sunset Beach, a haven for surfers. During the winter months, colossal waves on the North Shore of Oahu attract the world's best surfers such as Eddie Aikau. Witness the power of crashing waves against golden sands and capture the sublime grace of surfers conquering these incredible swells. In the summer, enjoy the tranquility of calm waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. No matter the time of year, sitting and relaxing on this beach is fair game for all!

A palm tree stretches over the beach at sunrise. — Sunset Beach, on the North Shore of Oahu, provides some stunning beach sunsets and also some incredible beach sunrises! This sunrise was calm, quiet, and stunningly beautiful.
Beach Sunrise Photos | North Shore Oahu | Beautiful Sunset

3 | Waimea Bay Beach

Situated along the North Shore, Waimea Bay Beach combines natural beauty with thrilling adventure. During winter, massive waves lure professional surfers. Oahu's North Shore and Waimea Bay is where award-winning Hawaii shorebreak wave photographer & artist Clark Little made his name as a pioneer of surfing at the Waimea Bay shorebreak. Experience the raw power of the ocean and capture surfers in their element. However, in the summer, the bay transforms into a serene paradise, offering ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming.

The calm waters of summer hit Waimea Bay Beach and bring a tranquil view of sand, blue waters, and blue sky with white clouds. — Waimea Bay Beach on the North Shore of Oahu brings some truly stunning views. Calm waters in the summer and some of the tallest waves on the planet in the winter months when the best and bravest surfers come to surf 30 foot waves.
Oahu North Shore | Waimea Bay Beach | Pipeline Surfing

4 | Hau'ula Beach

Discover the hidden gem of Hau'ula Beach, nestled on Oahu's northeastern coast. This secluded beach offers a peaceful and serene ambiance, ideal for capturing the untouched beauty of nature. The swaying palm trees and gentle waves create a tranquil setting. While the beach is narrow, snorkeling is possible when the ocean is calm and there is a beginners' surf spot is located offshore at the northern end of the park.

Three palm trees stand on the shore as the sun rises and lights up the sky along the ocean shore. — Oahu sunrise was perfect this morning. These three palm trees stood twisted as if trying to rub their eyes as the sun broke through to wake them up.
Beach Sunrise Photography | Palm Trees Photos | Best Sunrise In Oahu

5 | Kualoa Ranch | Jurassic Park | Jurassic Valley

While not a traditional beach, Kualoa Ranch showcases breathtaking coastal landscapes along Oahu's northeastern coast. This private nature reserve offers awe-inspiring views of pristine beaches, dramatic cliffs, and lush green valleys. It's a well-balanced mix of land and sea creating a serene, dreamy view. Parts of the movie Jurrasic Park were shot near this location.

Jagged cliffs of Oahu stand across the water opposite a faded red painted dock. — This location is where part of Jurassic Park was filmed and it's no wonder why. The jagged cliffs and green landscapes paired with the stunning blue water are absolutely what dreams, and movies, are made of.
Jurassic Park Hawaii | Kualoa Ranch

6 | Ka'a'awa Beach

Nestled between the majestic Ko'olau Mountains and the clear blue waters of the Pacific Ocean, Ka'a'awa Beach presents a tropical paradise waiting to be discovered. With its turquoise waters, golden sand, and lush greenery, this beach offers a picturesque spot to sit back and relax while you breath in the salty ocean air and enjoy the unique views and soft sand. The rugged cliffs and abundant lush green vegetation add a touch of drama making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

A picturesque beach scene as the water gently kisses the shore lined with palm trees with the lush jagged cliffs against the perfectly blue sky. — Oahu's beauty seems endless walking along this North Shore beach with nothing but sand, palm trees, and the postcard lush green cliffs in the backdrop.
Ka'a'awa Sands Beach | North Shore Oahu Hawaii

7 | Pearl Harbor Memorial | USS Arizona Memorial | USS Missouri

What makes Lanikai Beach even more special is its proximity to historic Pearl Harbor. After exploring the beauty of the beach, take a short drive to Pearl Harbor, a significant site that commemorates the events of December 7, 1941. Visit the USS Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, and the Pacific Aviation Museum to learn about the pivotal moments in history and pay tribute to the lives lost.

Don't miss Joe Garza's full Pearl Harbor collection that showcases the beauty and solemnity captured through the lens, and uncover the details of the fateful day that forever changed the world.

A sailor is standing on board and inside the open white memorial structure with sunlight shining thru casting shadows lines across the floor. — Standing on the USS Arizona Memorial completely alone was not only a powerful moment in time but to have an active Navy sailor standing at parade rest was a moment in time I will always remember.

Oahu's diverse and captivating beaches provide endless opportunities for taking in stunning scenery of the best beaches on Oahu and enjoy the essence of Hawaiian beauty. From the tranquil shores of Lanikai Beach to the breathtaking landscapes of Kualoa Ranch and the hidden gem of Hau'ula Beach, each location offers its own charm.